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Lee County sets four‑foot freeboard, adopts updated FEMA map panels for review
Summary
The Board approved staff recommendations to adopt state model floodplain regulations with a four‑foot freeboard above the 100‑year flood elevation and to accept updated FEMA NFIP map panels pending final FEMA determination.
Lee County commissioners voted April 20 to direct staff to submit a Model Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to the state and FEMA and to adopt four feet of freeboard above the 100‑year flood elevation for new construction in mapped flood hazard areas.
The county’s planning staff said the change aligns with FEMA guidance and will better protect structures from large flood events. The Planning Board had recommended four feet of freeboard; the city of Sanford had earlier adopted the same approach after comparing alternatives.
Why it matters: Freeboard is the elevation added above the regulatory 100‑year flood to provide extra protection for structures and to reduce insurance claims and damage. Commissioners discussed potential increased construction cost and the effect on flood insurance and were told the four‑foot standard reflects FEMA recommendations for resiliency.
What the board decided: Commissioners voted to approve the ordinance language with four feet of freeboard and to adopt updated FEMA National Flood Insurance Program map panels for Lee County after FEMA issues a Letter of Final Determination. Staff will forward the chosen language and the updated panels to the state floodplain mapping planner and FEMA for review and final action.
Next steps: Once FEMA issues its formal letter of final determination, staff will return to the board with an adoption ordinance and an effective adoption date (the mapping process requires an interval before the maps become effective to allow surveyors and property owners to prepare).
